Wagga voters are due to be hit with another round of letters urging them to vote for the Liberals, but this time from Riverina’s National MP.
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The first round of letters prompted an angry response from the other candidates for its claims that they could not deliver as non-government MPs.
A poltical expert said the letters were a “desperate” tactic as the Liberal’s polls slipped and the field of preferences was stacked against Ms Ham.
Late last week, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian sent out letters warning against voting for a non-government candidate.
“The choice is yours; a vote for Julia Ham and the Liberal team that is getting things done locally, or a vote for someone not in the Government who won’t be able to deliver for you,” the letters stated.
Independent candidate Joe McGirr said “the people of the seat of Wagga should not be intimidated”.
“It seems to suggest that unless they vote for a member of the government, they won’t have their basic services attended to.”
Labor candidate Dan Hayes said “if the only view (the Liberals) will listen to is their own candidate, shame on them”.
Independent Paul Funnell said the letter was “unconscionable” and a “threat to the people”.
The Daily Advertiser understands that a new round of letters, this time from Riverina MP and federal Nationals leader Michael McCormack, will this week start appearing in Wagga mailboxes.
“I’ve known Julia Ham for a long time – we used to catch the bus to school together,” Mr McCormack will state.
“In all those years, Julia has always impressed me as someone who is passionate about fighting for our local community.
“Whether it’s as a farmer, as a teacher, a councillor, a volunteer firefighter, or as a local mum, Julia has a proven track record of getting things done.”
Charles Sturt University Associate Professor in political science Dominic O'Sullivan said the letters did not display confidence.
“It is getting a bit desperate, as if (Ms Ham) wins, she will be a backbench member; she is not going to have an awful lot of influence,” he said.
“Certainly, she will have easier access to minister than a Labor or independent would have, but if people would accept their logic, you would have a one-party Parliament.
“There are also constraints as a government MP.”
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